Out of the Park Baseball 25 – Development Lab and Player Development Focus Game Mechanics Explained

This is a short guide that explains the new in-game mechanics.

Development Lab Explanation

Foreword

After the last out and the World Series celebration, the focus shifts to the upcoming year. Coaches and staff gear up for the offseason grind, working on training plans for players. When the players arrive, they’re greeted with a tailored program to improve their game. Over time, they work with coaches, trainers, and staff to enhance their skills. Some players come out with new pitches or a stronger swing, while others may not see any improvement at all.

Quick Overview of In-game Mechanics

• The development lab opens in the offseason and stays open until the season begins.
• Programs can only be handed out if the player can complete them before the season starts.
• The lab has limited slots, but this can be adjusted in the game settings.
• Once a program is completed, the slot becomes available for another player.
• Players have five days to cancel a program after it’s selected.
• Players can only attempt the same program once per offseason.
• Programs have different difficulty levels, influencing outcomes like poor, no improvement, successful, or outstanding.

Tips

• Avoid putting players in programs where their current rating is already at the potential.
• Consider player personality when choosing who to send in for a program.
• Be cautious not to put players into the lab who are about to become free agents.
• Share any additional tips you discover!

Player Development Focus Explanation

Players have routines and practice regimens, guided by coaches to help them improve. The new player development focus sliders allow you to allocate their time to specific areas of their game, influencing their development.

Quick Overview of In-Game Mechanics

• The development focus sliders influence a player’s development and maintenance.
• Adjusting a slider reallocates time from one rating to another.
• Balanced sliders mirror the old coaching influence system.
• Focusing more on a rating improves development and maintenance.
• Neglecting a rating negatively affects development and maintenance.

Tips

• Spend time setting player focus like you would on hiring good coaches.
• Set focus for major league players, top prospects, and intriguing players.
• Lock the focus after setting it manually to prevent AI changes.